Kidney stones also known as Renal Calculi or Nephrolithiasis are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. These stones can vary in size, from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball, and can be quite painful when they move through the urinary tract.
The most common forms of Kidney stones are Calcium Oxalate stones, but they can also be made of Uric acid, Struvite, or Cystine.
What Are The Causes Of Kidney Stones?
The formation of Kidney stones can be attributed to various causes including-
- Dehydration – When there is not enough water in our body, the kidneys might struggle to function properly. In such cases, Kidney stones could be formed due to the crystallization of minerals.
- Diet – If your diet contains high concentrations of Oxalates, Calcium, and certain Purines, it can increase the risk of stone formation.
- Family history – A general predisposition to the formation of kidney stones in your family can increase your vulnerability.
- Certain medical conditions – People with Kidney stones are known to be suffering from comorbidities such as Hyperparathyroidism, Urinary Tract Infections, and Cystinuria.
- Obesity – Doctors have often linked obesity to the presence of multiple diseases including kidney stones.
- Medications – Though medications are administered for the well-being of the body more often than not, they end up causing side effects. Some diuretics, antacids, and anti-virals increase the likelihood of stone formation in the Kidneys.
Fastest Way To Dissolve Kidney Stones
The fastest way to dissolve Kidney stones is to drink liquids. You can start by drinking water, at least 8-10 cups per day. Drinking water helps dilute Urine and can prevent minerals from forming crystals and eventually stones.
In hot weather, if you are physically active, you might need more. However, some other fluids have helped dissolve kidney stones although the evidence is anecdotal.
Firstly, lemon juice which is rich in Citrate is a natural inhibitor of Calcium Stone Formation. Consuming lemon juice can increase the Citrate level in the urine which may prevent the formation of certain kinds of Calcium Oxalate stones. Squeeze the juice of fresh lemons into a glass and drink it several times a day.
Secondly, patients have also experienced relief after drinking apple cider vinegar. Its acidic nature can help break down stones and may dissolve them. To use this remedy, you might want to dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water and drink it regularly.
Thirdly, you can also go with herbal teas that have diuretic properties and flush out the minerals that are a threat. Dandelion tea, nettle leaf tea, and ginger tea are the recommended ones.
Fourthly, a dandelion root extract is known to act as a natural diuretic to stop the body from forming crystals in your urine.
Lastly, you could also limit the use of some liquids like alcohol and caffeine that lead to dehydration when consumed in excess. This could be the main reason why your urine minerals are transformed into pieces of stones. So be sure to drink these two in great moderation.
Discover More: Can Blood Thinners Affect Kidneys? Effects & Preventive Measures
How To Prevent Kidney Stones?
There are numerous ways in which you could stop kidney stones before they consume you. Those include-
- Drinking a lot of water – Hydration is always key to a healthy lifestyle.
- Eat healthily – You could make some modifications to your diet which include skipping oxalate-rich foods like almonds or spinach, controlling your Sodium intake, and balancing Calcium intake.
- Increase citrus consumption – Increasing Citrate levels in your urine by drinking orange juice or lemon juice is a great idea.
- Exercise regularly – Since obesity can also lead to kidney stones, you could help reduce the chances of getting them by making exercise a part of your routine. Engage in physically active chores and watch what you eat.
- Manage medical conditions – If you have related ailments, you must use proper medications to prevent them from exacerbating.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that the effectiveness of the remedies depends upon the person, type, and size of the kidney stone. If the situation progresses, you might want to consult a healthcare professional to assess the situation and come up with a plan to mitigate it.
